Dr. Chris Baryomunsi the Minister of ICT and National Guidance has called for increased use of technology in wildlife conservation. On December 22 2023, the Minister was officiating at the National Conservation Conference at the Uganda Museum under the theme “Connecting people and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation”.
To ensure technology’s accessibility to the population, Dr. Baryomunsi emphasized the government’s commitment. He asserted that they can’t run away from technology if they are to have efficiency. Technology is key in wildlife conservation and management of natural resources. So they need to embrace technology and integrate it into their work to ensure Uganda catches up with the rest of the world as a ministry to do a lot.
In as far as technology is concerned, Baryomunsi revealed that the government has started laying the backbone infrastructure and integrating with neighboring countries adding that government is aiming at lowering the cost of internet to boost technology in the country.
Sam Mwandha the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority made a presentation on technology application in combating illegal wildlife trade and wildlife trafficking. In the fight against human-wildlife conflicts, he spoke with unwavering conviction about the pivotal role of technology.
Mwandha remarked saying that Technology provides accurate monitoring information from the field that is accessible to assist anti-poaching efforts and wildlife monitoring. It promotes efficiency because it facilitates quicker processing of information but also offers real-time monitoring drawing on his years of experience to underline the transformative impact of technological advancements in the field.
The Executive Director of Nature Uganda, Byaruhanga Achilles emphasized the need for collective action saying that conservation was not merely the concern of institutions; rather, it was a collective responsibility for everyone.
Byaruhanga urged encouraging a shift in perspective that recognized the role of every individual in safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity that they have looked at a more important area of technology; they must start reflecting on how this is applicable in the conservation of natural resources.
Martin Mugarra Bahinduka the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities attended the conference. Kakula Khirome undersecretary in the Ministry of Tourism representatives from various conservation organizations and students among others. It is one of the activities preceding the commemoration of World Wildlife Day on March 3, 2024. The day will be celebrated in Kyenjojo District in Uganda at Kagorogoro Primary School playground and His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda Will be the Chief Guest.
Annually, World Wildlife Day is celebrated on March 3rd to observe the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the benefits of conservation to humanity. A platform for inter-generational exchange and youth empowerment through art, presentations, and conversations on the opportunities ahead for our shared sustainable future in digital wildlife conservation is World Wildlife Day 2024.
This year’s theme offers a jumping-off point for exploring what digital innovations are available now, what intersectional discrepancies they are facing and how they want their digital connectivity to evolve for all people and planet.
